The Japanese book store receives magazines in two types of shipments, one by air mail (or via All Nippon or whatever) and one by “sea” as they say at the store. Well it seems I might have sparked some interest in Free & Easy, because the first three times I went to pick up the new issue, it was sold out. Not until the “sea” shipment arrived did I get my hands on “Cadet Style” in all its glory.
The issue is no where near as pleasing as The Navy-ism, which mesmerized me so much I was forced to devour it in a series of five posts, but Free & Easy still reigns supreme as my favorite magazine that is written in a language I cannot read or understand.
The obsession with Steve McQueen rolls on, which is a good thing. The cover photo is litterally taken from The Great Escape, one of mine and my father’s all time favorite movies.
These little caricatures are one of my favorite things in the magazine. I love the quirky Japanese sensibilities.
longsufferingtrad
on Jun 12th, 2008
@ 7:20 AM:
This is very cool stuff. I don’t think we have a Japanese bookstore around here. We do have an Indian grocery where you can rent movies, but that’s quite another thing.
notesbynaive
on Jun 12th, 2008
@ 9:35 AM:
Ah, so you have a while to wait before “T-shirts Museum” then. My favourite is their bi-annual Dad’s Style special. They haven’t done it yet this year and I’m a bit worried!
james fox
on Jun 12th, 2008
@ 11:05 AM:
this guy on ebay has been a source for the mag and some great repro work gear … woops secrets out.
http://shop.ebay.com/merchant/x-kaijin-x
chasingmoss
on Jun 12th, 2008
@ 2:05 PM:
Thanks for the tip. I’ll need to check out the global newstands around town for a copy. They usually have a sizeable import selection. If not, James Fox’s ebay seller looks promising.
AldenPyle
on Jun 12th, 2008
@ 10:32 PM:
The cadet style issue, I thought was interesting. They seemed to be doing a lot of mixing of classic Americana workwear with preppy classics. Like a Brooks blazer, chambray shirt, madras bow tie, and Buzz Rickson khaksi.
kodou
on Jun 13th, 2008
@ 12:26 AM:
well, you truly are wild about this magazine. Is it based out of Tokyo? I’ll have to drop by a bookstore here and give it a persual.
brian
on Jun 13th, 2008
@ 1:47 AM:
My dad and I also share the Great Escape connection, but I have taken my McQueen idolotary to a new level. It’s nice to be understood.
Cool Blog.
Russell Street
on Jun 13th, 2008
@ 2:47 AM:
Interesting stuff isn’t it, Alden?
It’s a wide world out there. I’m a fan.
drinkinanddronin
on Jun 13th, 2008
@ 1:11 PM:
easily the coolest magazine i’ve seen in years. i need to find what store carries it and stockpile!
Pit
on Jun 17th, 2008
@ 8:45 PM:
They have about 10 copies of the Cadet Style edition at Kinokuniya Los Angeles as of Sunday. I have last year’s Dad’s Style edition with a boot feature if anyone is interested.